Pakistan’s Punjab Govt announces financial assistance for Hindu and Sikh families on Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti

• As part of this initiative, these families will receive 10,000 Pakistani rupees on the occasions of Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti

• 3-day leave for Hindu government employees in Balochistan

Lahore (Pakistan) – Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, has announced a grant of 10,000 Pakistani rupees (approximately 3,000 Indian rupees) for each of the 2,200 Sikh and Hindu families in the province, in celebration of Guru Nanak Jayanti and Diwali. Additionally, the Balochistan government has declared a 3-day holiday for Hindu employees in honour of Diwali.

A spokesperson for the Punjab government announced that the Chief Minister has instructed officials to begin the immediate distribution of ‘Utsav Cards’ to Hindus and Sikhs. Starting this year, these families will receive annual financial assistance through the Utsav Card program, which has been approved by the Punjab Cabinet.

This year, Diwali will be celebrated in Pakistan from October 31st to November 2nd, followed by Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 15th. Officials noted that special arrangements are being made for foreign pilgrims visiting to commemorate this birth anniversary.

Editorial Perspective

The fundamental question still remains unanswered – Will Hindus and Sikhs receive protection in Pakistan ?